Applications now available for disability grant

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services started taking applications Tuesday for grants from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are waitlisted for a Medicaid waiver. For 2014, the Individual and Family Support Program's goal is to serve 1,000 individuals — up from 825 in its first year — with up to $3,000 per person for specified services.

According to the DBHDS, more than 8,000 people with disabilities in Virginia are on waiting lists for ID/DD Medicaid waivers that would provide them with the comprehensive services they need in order to live safely in the community. David Coe, executive director of Colonial Behavioral Health, the community services board that serves Williamsburg, James City County, York and Poquoson, reports 105 people on its wait list, 50 of them urgent need cases.

Last year, as a stopgap measure resulting from the Department of Justice's settlement with the state over its treatment of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Virginia instituted the support program, IFSP. The average grant received by individuals was $2,100, according to Meghan McGuire, communications director for the Department of Behavioral Health. The department doesn't have a cut-off date for requests and considers applications until the money allotted for the fiscal year runs out, McGuire added.

"The IFSP program provides funding for approved items such as respite, transition services, transportation services, behavioral consultation and other critical services that can assist people on waiting lists until they receive waiver services, " said Jim Stewart, DBHDS commissioner, in a news release.

In 2013, its first year,10 individuals served by Colonial Behavioral Health received funds from the Individual and Family Support Program. Coe emphasized that case managers do not request the funding; rather, the consumers, their parent or guardian must apply directly to the DBHDS for the grant money.

The program is designed to help individuals with short-term resources, supports and services to avoid institutionalization and to help them remain in their own community homes. Under the DOJ settlement, the IFSP program will run until 2021. Grant recipients have to re-apply each year in order to receive funds.

Those interested in the IFSP should send applications by mail — no faxes or emails accepted. Applications may be found at: http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/ODS-IFSP.htm and mailed to: Individual and Family Support Program, DBHDS, P.O. Box 1797, Richmond, VA 23218-1797. Those needing assistance can call 804-663-7277.